With technologies ranging from hybrids to cylinder deactivation, whereby the engine shuts down half the vehicle's cylinders when you don't need them, there has never been more "green" vehicle choices for consumers.
Even with these advancements, automotive companies are continuing to develop alternative technologies to take "green" to the next level.
General Motors, for example, recently unveiled a new electric concept, the Chevrolet Volt, which will potentially redefine the urban driving experience.
The Volt is a plug-in, electrically-driven car that will virtually eliminate trips to the gas station for those who drive 64 kms a day or less. Drivers will simply unplug and go each morning. Onboard electricity can be generated from a fuel cell, bio-fuel engine, or conventional small displacement gas engine.
In addition to plug-in vehicles, fuel cells are another key research area for developing environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Fuel cell vehicles only emit water vapours and will virtually eliminate the vehicle from the environmental equation.
There's no silver bullet out there to fight climate change, but automotive companies are working hard to continue to develop affordable solutions for all drivers.
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